Bloc MP expelled from caucus after attacking ‘values charter’

A member of the Bloc Quebecois has been expelled from caucus over her opposition to Quebec’s controversial ‘charter of values’.

Maria Mourani, a member of parliament for Ahuntsic, was one of four Bloc MPs to be elected in the 2011 election. The office of Bloc MP Claude Patry confirmed she was ousted from caucus early Thursday. Bloc leader Daniel Paillé is expected to issue a statement this afternoon.

In a blog posted to her website on Wednesday, Mourani criticized the charter, calling it a “substantive error” that would cause “stigmatization and exclusion of certain communities, particularly some women.”

Mourani has held several high-profile portfolios within the party. The Lebanon-born MP has sat in the House of Commons since she was first elected in 2006.

Mourani’s office said she will make a statement on the issue tomorrow.